Octavio Ocampo's Conch Shell Home

Last weekend, while staying in Cancun, Mexico for a wedding, a few friends and I took a ferry to La Isla Mujeres, rented a golf cart, and spent a wonderful, sunny afternoon exploring. We almost screeched to a halt when we saw this amazing conch shell house — the home of Mexican artist Octavio Ocampo.

I'd seen pictures of the Nautilus house in Mexico City before, but I'd never seen a shell-shaped house in person. The Conch Shell house is beautiful, if unusual, and is perfectly situated on a seaside road. I took one photo of it, but a No Trespassing Sign and large hedges discouraged us from further snooping. Luckily, some internet investigation revealed that it has has been featured before on This Beautiful Life, complete with a few details on its design. The house is built of concrete and repurposed materials, such as the found conch shell that serves as a faucet in one bathroom. Inside, the shape of the house and the curves it creates are the main focus, rather than furniture and knickknacks. It's a gorgeous example of iconoclastic architecture — and if you really love it, it's available to rent.